Items filtered by date: May 2023

Maintaining proper foot care is important for diabetic patients. Many people who are diabetic have neuropathy, which is the inability to feel existing cuts or scrapes on the feet. This can be caused by elevated blood sugar levels that can happen from the foods that are eaten. An untreated wound on the foot may lead to incurring a foot ulcer, which is an infected wound. Serious consequences may occur if prompt medical attention is not received. It is beneficial to implement a good diabetic foot care routine daily. It can begin with washing and drying the feet thoroughly, especially between the toes. This can be followed by closely inspecting the bottom of the feet for cuts that cannot be felt. Many people use a mirror to accomplish this, or a family member or caregiver may help to do this. Trimming the toenails once per week may help to prevent an ingrown toenail from developing, which can cause severe pain and discomfort. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Brondon Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Centerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A foot wound is an injury to the foot that breaks through the skin. First and foremost, diabetics must exercise special precaution with such wounds, and visit a medical professional immediately, as they are more at risk for infections. Regardless of the severity of the foot wound, the healing process begins with cleaning and covering the wound. It is important to sanitize hands prior to cleaning a wound so as not to transfer bacteria to the injury. Running water over the wounded foot for approximately two minutes is helpful in removing dirt and bacteria. This should be followed by rubbing it gently with plain soap and rinsing the area again. If the wound is bleeding, press on it with a clean towel or gauze pad until the bleeding stops. If antibacterial cream is available, a thin layer can be applied to the wound with a cotton swab. Petroleum jelly can also be used to keep the wound moist and promote healing. Cover the wound with a bandage, make sure the adhesive does not touch the wound, and change it every day. If you have sustained a wound to your foot and it is deep, continues to bleed, or looks infected, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist as soon as possible for further treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Brondon Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Centerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete’s foot is a common and often uncomfortable foot infection caused by having contact with a fungus known as trichophyton. It often affects the space between the toes, and sometimes is found on the bottom of the feet. Unfortunately, it is quite easy to get athlete's foot, which is extremely contagious if certain conditions are met. This fungus thrives in warm and moist places, such as the inside of shoes. Symptoms of athlete’s foot are easy to recognize. The most noticeable signs are itchy toes and dry skin. The infected skin can become chapped and flaked when the shoes are removed and the toes are exposed to dry air. The skin also may begin to ooze fluid, especially if the infection is not treated immediately. The affected area may begin to redden, which is exacerbated by scratching. To make matters worse, the open skin can attract bacteria, further infecting the foot. That may produce swelling, which can be quite painful. At this point, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer an array of treatment options to deal with an athlete’s foot infection.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Brondon Foot and Ankle.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Centerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis involves the tearing or overstretching of the plantar fascia, which is the thick band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes on the sole of the foot. When this happens, pain is felt on the bottom of the foot while walking, or from prolonged sitting. It can take a long time to recover from plantar fasciitis, and it is a condition that can interfere with comfortable functioning. Stretching and strengthening exercises are often suggested to help in the healing process of this ailment. Water therapy has been found to be an effective way to exercise and obtain some relief during recovery from plantar fasciitis. Participation in aquatic fitness can help to increase the range of motion and strengthen the foot. Unlike walking, running, or other weight-bearing exercises, water acts as a shock absorber, and aqua therapy may help to relieve stressful joints. If you feel you may have plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment, which may include hydrotherapy.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Brondon Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Centerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Our feet require our attention, especially given how critical their proper functioning is to everything we do. Feet need to be exercised as much as any other parts of our body. The term active foot refers to all the muscles in the foot working together to promote a stable base. Creating an active foot can be thought of by pulling the ground together between the toes and heels, almost like making a fist with the foot. An active foot will have an arch and some form of flexion. Additionally, an active foot has a host of benefits, including better performance in lifting and sporting activities. Exercises that can strengthen the feet include squats and lunges. The floor is gripped with the toes, and the balls of the feet and heel are lifted up. If you would like additional information on how to strengthen the feet for lifting and sports endurance, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Brondon Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Centerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.